Dancing On Ice star Vanessa Bauer has apologised to fans after expressing her frustration at being forced to isolate with COVID-19 despite showing no physical symptoms.
The professional skater and her celebrity partner Joe-Warren Platt have been removed from the beleaguered talent show after both tested positive for the potentially deadly respiratory virus.
Vanessa, 24, has since been perfecting her yoga skills while isolating, but suffered a backlash after commenting on her lack of any key COVID symptoms – among them shortness of breath, a persistent cough and fatigue.
Speaking out: Dancing On Ice star Vanessa Bauer has apologised to fans after expressing her frustration at being forced to isolate with COVID-19 despite showing no physical symptoms
Taking to the social media platform on Wednesday evening, the German skater apologized for causing offence, but admitted she had been struggling to cope following her abrupt departure from Dancing On Ice.
She said: ‘I realise it’s a bad thing of me to say because I know I’m so lucky to have COVID without any symptoms, and I know that a lot of families and people are suffering so much because of bad COVID symptoms and I’m fully aware that it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to say so I do apologise for it.
‘I just meant it more in the way that I am just… it’s mentally very, very hard for me to process this whole situation and I find it just mentally very frustrating.
They’re out: The professional skater and her celebrity partner Joe-Warren Platt have been removed from the beleaguered talent show after both tested positive for the virus
‘It’s really hard to come to terms with it, that you’ve got this virus and yet you can’t even feel it, when it’s pulling you out of everything in your life that’s bringing you joy in a way, so that’s what I mean.’
She added: ‘It’s very frustrating knowing that you can’t be doing what you’re supposed to be doing, but I do feel very, very lucky to not have symptoms, to be completely fine, and I’m very grateful for that, and I really feel with everyone who’s suffering physically but also mentally a lot.
‘We’re getting through this together guys. I’ve had the toughest, the worst few days. I’ve cracked so much guys, but I’m trying to see the positives.’
Sorry: Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, the German skater apologized for causing offence, but admitted she had been struggling to cope following her abrupt departure from Dancing On Ice
Previously: Vanessa has been isolating in accordance with health and safety guidelines, but suffered a backlash after commenting on her lack of any key symptoms
It’s understood that the show could welcome back Vanessa and Joe if they receive negative Covid-19 tests following their isolation period.
According to the Sun, if the Emmerdale actor and his pro partner receive a negative test before the next show they will be allowed to return, after it was announced on Friday they would be leaving the programme.
It has previously been stated by the skating show that one positive test would mean permanent exclusion from the series.
However due to the show’s dropping number of contestants due to several injuries, it is no surprise they appear to be considering revising the rules.
Versatile: The skater has been whiling away her time in lockdown by perfecting her yoga
It is understood that bosses have not extended the same offer to other pairings because they all missed more than one public vote.
Joe and Vanessa will likely be allowed to return as they have only missed one week of the public vote due to their positive Covid test.
MailOnline have contacted Dancing On Ice, Joe-Warren and Vanessa’s representatives for further comment.
Out! The show will be taking a break this Sunday to give the skaters time to recover following a series of axes, including pro skater Hamish Gaman who announced his departure on Tuesday
Finding their way back? If Joe and Vanessa receive a negative test before the next show they will be allowed to return, according to reports
The report comes after it was revealed the ‘cursed’ show will be taking a break this Sunday to give the skaters time to recover following a series of axes, including pro skater Hamish Gaman who announced his departure on Tuesday.
Elsewhere Rufus Hound, 41, who had Covid, Billie Shepherd, 31, and Denise Van Outen, 46, who were both injured, all had at least two weeks off.
Jason Donovan, 52, is currently recovering from a back injury however he still remains apart of the programme for now.
So many celebrities have been forced to drop out of Dancing On Ice that for the first time in its history, the show has run out of reserves.
This comes hours after it was announced that professional skater Hamish has become the latest celebrity to quit the ‘cursed’ ITV show.
The professional skater, 37, has been forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’.
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline on Tuesday: ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.
Another one bites the dust! This comes hours after it was announced that professional skater Hamish has become the latest celebrity to quit the ‘cursed’ ITV show [pictured with partner Faye Brookes]
‘We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal.’
Faye will remain in the competition but will now be partnered with professional skater Matt Evers, who was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen.
Presenter Denise, was forced to quit the ITV series last month after just one performance after dislocating her shoulder.
Faye took to Instagram to express her heartbreak at losing her skating partner.
She wrote: ‘Truly heartbroken with the news that @hamishgaman has had to withdraw from @dancingonice
‘This guy has been there for me from the very beginning. Taught me everything I know and I hope I did you proud brother…
Mix and match: His celebrity partner Faye will remain in the competition but will now be partnered with professional skater Matt Evers – Faye said she was ‘heartbroken’ by Hamish’s departure
‘It has been an honour. You are honestly an incredible human but also an incredible friend.
‘We both can’t thank the viewers at home enough for your constant support and for voting for Team #Faymish
‘Last but not least I have to Thank you Mr Gaman for supporting me no matter what! Here’s to a friendship that will go beyond the ice.
‘Here for you always. Faye x.’
Hamish was signed off on Sunday by the medical team as safe to skate with some adjustments to the routine.
But after a follow up examination this week and careful consideration the medical experts have concluded that he is unable to continue.
A source told MailOnline: ‘It is essential for Hamish to have this time to heal properly in the interest of safeguarding against any long-term damage.’
Hamish had previously revealed that he performed alongside the Coronation Street star, 33, during Sunday’s show with a strapped-up hand and had been told by doctors that he was putting his finger at risk for the rest of his life.
He added that if he had to have surgery, we would have quit the show and explained how he ploughed on because he didn’t want to let people down in the wake of the recent drop-outs.
Injured: Matt was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen. Denise was forced to drop out of the show after one performance after she dislocated her shoulder
He said on Monday: ‘Unfortunately I’m in a situation where I may have to withdraw if I need surgery. I would be heartbroken, Faye has worked so hard.’
Discussing his injury further, he said: ‘Faye wasn’t fully aware but I snapped a tendon in my hand and I was advised before the show that I’m putting my finger at risk for the rest of my life here.
‘It’s one of those scenarios where there was a lot of people dropping out of the show and I love this show so much and I didn’t want to let the team down.’
The skater went on to describe how his and Faye’s Prince William and Kate Middleton inspired routine was changed at the last minute so as not to cause further pain to his hand.
Risk: Hamish revealed that he performed alongside the Coronation Street star, 33, during Sunday’s show with a strapped-up hand and had been told by doctors that he was putting his finger at risk for the rest of his life
Miss you: Faye paid tribute to her skating partner as he announced he had quit the competition to his injury
He said: ‘They strapped up my hand so I could get through the show. We had to make a lot of changes to the routine last minute, we re-choreographed the whole second half.
‘Faye did incredible to learn the routine last minute. We had to change all of our lifts because of my hand, as I couldn’t do certain movements.’
He added: ‘It’s never easy for someone to learn new choreography and it is very dangerous to do things that aren’t ready anyway, but then to suddenly make these huge changes last minute, Faye did so well.’
Last minute change: ‘Faye did incredible to learn the routine last minute. We had to change all of our lifts because of my hand, as I couldn’t do certain movements,’ he said on Monday
Spoke too soon: On Monday Hamish declared that he would not need surgery and will feature in the line-up when the show returns to screens on February 28th
Hamish later declared that he would not need surgery and will feature in the line-up when the show returns to screens on February 28th. He said this prior to Tuesday’s announcement.
Quoting a tweet about his interview, Hamish tweeted: ‘Update! I’ve been told that I don’t need surgery on my finger. I’ll just be sporting a bling splint for a few weeks. I can’t wait to return to @dancingonice with @Faye_Brookes on 28th Feb #DancingOnIce’.
The news comes after an announcement by ITV that their skating show has taken a week off to allow the cast and crew to ‘recharge and rest up’ after four stars dropped out and Jason Donovan, 52, injured his back.
In a statement from an ITV spokesperson, it was revealed that show bosses felt it ‘prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture’ to protect ‘the welfare of all of those involved’.
Oh no! Dancing On Ice will not air this weekend as show bosses have decided to take a week off to allow the cast and crew ‘to rest up’
‘ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February,’ ITV said. ‘Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.
‘The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture.
‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is of paramount importance to us and we look forward to resuming the competition next week, with the show back live on Sunday 28th February.
He’ll be back: Jason Donovan, 52, withdrew from Sunday’s instalment of the competition and was advised to rest after suffering from back pain, but will return next week
Four celebs down: While Jason’s break is temporary, Billie Shepherd, 31 [pictured], Denise Van Outen, 46, and Rufus Hound, 41, have all been forced to drop out
‘In place of Dancing On Ice this weekend a special entitled Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice will be shown on ITV at 6pm on Sunday. This one-off show will celebrate the most memorable moments in the show’s history.
‘Dancing On Ice will be back, live on Sunday 28th February.’
In addition to the official announcement, a source told The Sun: ‘Everyone’s just been working really hard to put on a brilliant series.
Something different: In place of Dancing On Ice this weekend a special entitled Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice will be shown on ITV at 6pm on Sunday
Former Neighbours star Jason missed Sunday, and said in a statement: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out’
‘The production team has been amazing working around new protocols and working around the pandemic which is ever-evolving with new variants and such.
‘This break will just allow the cast and crew the time to take a breath. Everyone gives it their all and just wants the show to be amazing for viewers at home so a week to recharge and rest up before coming back will be great.’
The decision comes after Dancing On Ice bosses were said to be ‘panicking’ about the show’s future amid the four celebrities withdrawing from the show in recent weeks and Jason’s recent injury.
Former Neighbours star Jason said in a statement: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out.
‘I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.’
Injured: Reality star Billie withdrew from the show after suffering a concussion following a fall during training
On Sunday, a source told The Sun: ‘It’s already a stretch making a two-hour episode of a TV show in a pandemic with a full cast.
‘But if any more pull out they will struggle to fill the slot. They’re already panicking about numbers because the celebrities are dropping like flies.
‘If Jason pulls out for good and there’s another injury, they could be forced off air.’
On Friday, it was revealed Joe-Warren Plant, 18, and his skating partner Vanessa Bauer had to leave the show after they both tested positive for coronavirus.
Covid-out: Rufus was previously axed from the competition after he tested positive for coronavirus
Rufus Hound, 41, was previously axed from the competition after he tested positive for coronavirus.
Denise, 46, and Billie Shepherd, 31, both dropped out of the show after hurting themselves on the ice.
Denise dislocated her shoulder, while Billie suffered a concussion after falling on her head in training.